The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has launched a survey asking recent graduates from UK veterinary schools to share their experiences of extramural studies (EMS) while studying for their degree.

The aim of the online survey – which has been emailed to all of the 2012 and 2013 UK veterinary graduates for whom the college holds email addresses – is to take a snapshot of how EMS placements, both pre-clinical or clinical, are working in practice and their value in educational terms.

RCVS head of education Christine Warman said the call for evidence follows a 2009 review into EMS arrangements.

“We want to gather evidence on current practice in order to build up a picture of how EMS is working and the role it plays in the learning process for veterinary students,” she said. “This evidence will inform any future discussions about EMS.”

Examples of information the college is looking for, she said, include what students gain from EMS, which they do not from studies alone, and their experience in the process of identifying and arranging placements.

Graduates taking part in the survey, which takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, can supply their name and email address or, alternatively, there is the option of responding anonymously, said the college. The survey should be completed by February 14, it said.

Those 2012 and 2013 graduates who have not received an email with the link to the survey, and who wish to take part, can email the college.

For more information on EMS, or the survey, contact the RCVS education department on education@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0791.

Further guidance about EMS for both students and placement providers, meanwhile, can be found on the RCVS website.